[New York Diary] The Movie "Rocky" and the Shattered American Dream

A statue located in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the United States. This spot is always crowded with people posing to take photos with the statue. Recently, on a weekend holiday, despite the rainy and gloomy weather, over 100 people lined up to take pictures in front of this statue.

This statue is none other than a representation of Rocky Balboa, the protagonist of the movie "Rocky." Nearly 50 years have passed since the film's release in 1976, yet Rocky's popularity shows no signs of fading. Rocky is a film depicting the journey of an Italian immigrant protagonist achieving the "American Dream." It is also regarded as a movie that encapsulates the hopeful image of America within the character of Rocky. In the film, Rocky, an unknown boxer from the slums of Philadelphia, loses the match against the world champion Apollo but endures until the 15th round, achieving a result almost equivalent to victory.

People are even more enthusiastic about Rocky because the screenplay was written and the lead role was played by Sylvester Stallone, whose story is autobiographical. Stallone, an Italian immigrant, rose from a poor unknown actor to a Hollywood top star with the great success of Rocky, gaining wealth and fame. This is truly the realization of the American Dream. This is why people flock to take photos in front of this statue, which reflects both the fictional character Rocky and the real person Stallone.

Considering the current situation in the United States, the enduring popularity of the character Rocky provokes much reflection. Rocky is a poor white working-class immigrant, a social minority in America. When the film was released in the 1970s, Rocky gave Americans hope in the form of the American Dream, symbolizing upward social mobility. However, in the 2020s, despite continued popularity, the realization of the American Dream that Rocky achieved has become more difficult.

Currently, the frustration of the working class in American society, especially the fallen white middle class like Rocky, is very high. Due to job losses in the Rust Belt (declining industrial areas) and polarization following the global financial crisis, a significant portion of the middle class has collapsed. Among the reasons former President Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election were these angry white voters, so-called "angry whites." President Joe Biden’s focus on restoring manufacturing and creating jobs aims to revive the middle class.

The lives of immigrants are also becoming more difficult. Many people have sought new opportunities by coming to the United States, the "land of immigrants." However, as illegal immigration has increased, anti-immigrant sentiment has spread within the U.S., narrowing the space for immigrants like Rocky. Former President Trump built a border wall with Mexico during his first term and pledged to forcibly deport illegal immigrants if he wins the upcoming November election. Even President Biden, who had pursued a more lenient immigration policy, is now taking a "right turn" on immigration policy.

Rocky left a strong impression by giving hope to those who dreamed of the American Dream. Perhaps this message resonated more in the 1970s when the film was released. However, with the broken social ladder and lost tolerance in American society, the American Dream has long since faded. The image of Americans still enthusiastic about the nearly 50-year-old movie Rocky reflects a reality that has become much harsher, leaving a bittersweet aftertaste.